The relationship of alignment hyperacuity to stereopsis

Human ability to monocularly detect spatial misalignment is functionally more precise than predicted by the diameter of one foveal cone. The spatial thresholds for vernier alignment are approximately 8 to 13 arc seconds of visual angle, which is more sensitive than expected. Although threshold stereopsis (another hyperacuity) seems to be approximately double alignment hyperacuity values, studies have not conclusively shown a definite relationship to ex1st. Additionally, these measurements have not been widely tested in clinical settings. This study examines the correlation between threshold stereoacuity and the monocular alignment hyperacuity measures. Twenty six subjects were evaluated measuring threshold stereopsis with the Mentor BVAT II Visual Acuity Tester and monocular alignment hyperacuity with software designed at Pacific University College of Optometry. This study supports a relationship of sum of one standard deviation of hyperacuity data distributed for each eye with stereopsis. However, the relationship is not statistically significant, most likely due to the lack of testing precision and variability in individual performance, specifically in binocular function and appreciation of stereopsis. Increased knowledge in the areas of monocular alignment hyperacuity and threshold stereopsis may aid optometric practitioners to better understand how these two factors play a role in such clinical conditions as unexplained asthenopia, amblyopia, strabismus and stereoacuity potential. However, clinical testing of an individual patient would not seem appropriate with this testing paradigm